Research guidance studies. Quarterly progress report, April--June 1996

The overall objective of this project is to provide research guidance and quantification of research progress in the areas of direct and indirect coal liquefaction, coal/waste coprocessing, refining of coal-derived liquid fuels, and natural gas conversion. Specifically, the work is divided into two subtasks that relate to whether the technology application is direct or indirect. In subtask (a), Direct Coal Liquefaction technology is the subject of the analyses, and in subtask (b), Indirect Liquefaction, technologies will be evaluated in accordance with the priorities of the COR. Mitretek Systems has been developing detailed computer simulation models of direct and indirect coal and natural gas conversion systems for several years. These models are constantly being updated and improved as more data and better cost information becomes available. These models also include detailed refinery models based on bench-scale upgrading data of coal derived liquid fuels to specification transportation fuels. In addition to the simulation models of actual conversion system configurations, Mitretek is able to simulate innovative process configurations for coal and gas conversion to fuels, power, and chemicals. To supplement these system models and to provide a context to investigate expected energy use scenarios when alternate coal and natural gas based fuels will be needed, Mitretek`s staff has also developed world and country by country energy supply and demand models. This work will be accomplished by using the existing models where appropriate and by extending and modifying the system models where necessary.